r/Kneereplacement:

u/DirectorBiggs

What effect do they have that you can’t take them? Did you go through the whole process without anti-inflammatories?
u/DirectorBiggs

I have a shower no tub, with bars on 2 walls. I took a shower and was able to dress myself on the 4th day.
u/DirectorBiggs

I took it off the non-op leg by the 4th day, the operative on day 13 during 2 week check in. I was able to wash the extra one to rotate out the operative leg over that last 10 days. If you them, hang them to dry.
u/DirectorBiggs

54m here who lives alone and had my RTKR on May 8. I had a friend stay with me the first 4 days and was able to shower, change all my clothes and get on and off the bed and couch by myself on 3rd day. I pretty much did it all by myself. I’ve got a small homestead and needed help with my gardens and chickens and walking my dog the first week and been on my own since then. I prepped all my meals, coffee and refilled my water bottles, got icepacks and everything I needed on day after the surgery. One thing that made it easier for me was attaching a basket / bag to the front of my walker to carry all my stuff. I used the walker until day 5, and used a cane for the 2 weeks after that. Being only 44 I’m guessing you had an athletic past, which in my experience makes the recovery so much easier than people needing the TKR due to being overweight or being elderly and the knee just being worn out. You are fine OP. See if you can get a friend to help the first few days. I spread the needs between a friend and my neighbors who I have great relations with. Good luck OP, you got this.
u/DirectorBiggs

I (54m) ditched my walker switched to a cane on day 6, I cannot imagine what’s complicating your recovery OP. I’ve been walking without support since the 3rd week, I’m in my 7th and can now go up and down stairs. I’m not saying this to brag but it sounds like something isn’t right with your recovery.
u/DirectorBiggs

I dropped my walker on day 5, used a cane for 2 weeks after that. Im at the start of week 8 and have been walking without support since start of week 4 and walking my dog about 1.5 miles every morning. Some days walking 3+ miles. Measured 133 degree bend at my last PT yesterday and they advised not to bend further, lol. Obviously everyone heals and progresses at different paces. You are fairly young (comparatively) OP and while you dont want to overdo it, you really do want to push your level of comfort. You will get there. Dont be discouraged or let that bother you and its not healthy to compare your experience with everyone elses. Be smart, push yourself while listening to your body.
u/DirectorBiggs

I only needed help day of and day after to take care of all my personal needs. I needed friends and neighbors to help take care of critters, gardens and pick up refills for the first week. Otherwise I handled all of it on my own with none of the automated systems youve got OP. Get a friend to help the 24 hours and you should be fine. Good luck!
u/DirectorBiggs

Sounds like you’re doing great OP, that’s wonderful. I encourage you to self-massage as much as able, the quads especially and also all the knee connection points and insertions where your muscles begin and end. Get that blood flowing and remind your nerve endings to bring feeling back to the knee. Massage around the incisions as well, not directly on them but lightly around them to encourage other sensations and make sure blood is flowing well to promote the healing.
u/DirectorBiggs

Minor bruises around tourniquet site for 3 days otherwise completely bruise free.
u/DirectorBiggs

Nice!! My last day of PT was week 6 and I measured 133 degrees, they told me not to bend any further than 130, lol. So not supposed push further they said. Youre doing great OP, keep it up!!